Topsy-Turvy MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -1 1/2

Playwright William Gilbert (Jim Broadbent) and composer Arthur Sullivan (Allan Corduner) teamed together in the 19th century to write some of the most memorable operettas in Western society. But feeling that his creative energy has stagnated, Sullivan feels burnt out and ready for a change. However, Gilbert is more than ready to start their next project, and has their business manager on his side. So, under pressure, Sullivan agrees to score another musical, but he wants the story to depart from the things they have previously done. When Gilbert goes to a Japanese arts festival, the different culture inspires a unique idea that develops into The Mikado. The film cleverly intersperses musical numbers from rehearsals and performances to show how The Mikado came to be, instead of showing the whole musical at the end. These scenes make a fun and enjoyable experience for music lovers. The rich colors of the stage sets also add a nice flavor to the movie. However, the film pushes three hours, which demands endurance.

Sullivan is ready to rip up his contract with Gilbert at the beginning of the film. Wanting to live life to its fullest, he thinks he needs to do some other things musically. In contrast to the proper, married Gilbert, Sullivan is portrayed as clearly interested in wine and women. But hes also a serious musician whose works include church hymns. Some sexual content occurs as Sullivan attends a party early in the film. Two of the women dance around topless for Sullivan and another woman. Sex is later implied as Sullivan is shown approaching the two women. Also, one woman refers to having an abortion, and seems to think that it was a good decision, although she wont do it again. But the film also subtly deals with success, and what life looks like at the top. It shows that all of lifes problems do not go away, even when you the hottest entertainers in all of England. Foul language is almost non-existent, with one out-of-place f-word and four moderate crudities. Unfortunately, sexual content makes TOPSY-TURVY another loser in our wishy-washy world.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: USA Films, 65 Bleeker St., NY, NY 10112